48 | Oh BABY! Pregnancy is one of the times in a woman’s life that she feels the most fragile. Regardless of whether or not the pregnancy was planned and hoped for or unplanned and shocking, finding out that you are pregnant brings with it a host of emotions. When you combine these emotions with an assault of early pregnancy hormones, the need for emo- tional support is greater than at any other time in their lives. Research has shown that up to a third of women ex- perience clinical depression or an anxiety disorder dur- ing some point in their pregnancy. Yet these studies also show that fewer than 20% of women seek treatment. Many women are ashamed to admit that pregnancy bliss is not what they are experiencing. Sometimes they do not tell those that are closest to them. Many women find them- selves suffering in silence throughout their pregnancy, hop- Emotional Support: During Pregnancy and Postpartum ing against hope that things will just get better. The days following giving birth are also a very vulnerable time for women. The sharp drop in estrogen and proges- terone, coupled with a lack of sleep, are the perfect recipe for what is referred to as the “baby blues.” During the first couple of weeks postpartum, up to 80% of new mothers experience feelings of sadness, anxiousness, and a sense of being overwhelmed. Symptoms are more severe with postpartum depression and include feeling numb, extremely sad, or angry.These mothers can experience a lack of interest in or excessive anxiety about their newborn. They may have feelings of hopelessness or not being able to cope. They may not be able to stop crying, have an inability to concentrate, or experience memory loss. Panic attacks, inability to sleep, and a general feeling of being unwell are also symptoms. In extreme cases, the mother may begin to believe that the people around her would be better off without her or wishing that her baby was never born. Untreated postpartum depression and anxiety can greatly hinder newborn attachment. It is during the first several weeks of a newborn’s life when he or she begins to recognize whether or not someone is going to be there to meet his or her needs. In these precious weeks of at- tachment and bonding, the baby learns trust, a vital stage in child development. Attachment difficulties are now known to be one of the causes of many issues later in the child’s life to include sensory processing disorders, lack of ability to trust other people, anxiety, and defiance. Emotional difficulties, both during pregnancy and postpartum, can be successfully treated through the use of psychologically therapeutic techniques. The therapist or counselor can assist the mother in learning ways to best cope with these life transitions. The professional can also assist the woman with ways to build a greater support sys- tem, if needed. They may also encourage a greater amount of personal self-care, including taking some breaks from the baby. The therapist or counselor can also work with the obstetrician or other physician to make the best deci- sion about the necessity of medication. Your emotional health is vital to you and your baby, before and after birth. If you experience any of these common difficulties, do not hesitate to seek professional help and know that you are not alone. Photo by Pao Carmona Photography